Georgia Forestry Commission Begins Restoration through ARRA Grants

The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) has embarked on a reforestation project made possible by funding from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The first of five grants totaling $9.7 million will provide for the planting of seedlings in a suburban Atlanta forest.

Funded by the ARRA, the Regional Longleaf Pine Restoration Initiative project, administered by the GFC, will reestablish longleaf pines in the southeast United States. Longleaf pine forests are highly valued for their resistance to damage by insects, diseases, wildfire, and storms, and for their yield of high quality wood products, biological diversity, and scenic beauty.

Four other forestry-related ARRA grants will be administered in the months ahead as part of the ARRA plan to help stimulate the economy and benefit Georgia's environment. The funds will not replace or supplant state mandated GFC budget reductions, but can only be used for the creation of new, temporary positions in the forestry industry.

"These proposals will enhance GFC initiatives beyond what was possible under current austere budget conditions," said Robert Farris, Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. "The work will have multiple benefits, including reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire, fighting invasive plant species and reaching out to thousands of landowners who need updated forest management plans."

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Georgia Forestry Commission and Oglethorpe Power Partner to Replant Wildfire-Devastated Forest

/PRNewswire/ -- The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) and Oglethorpe Power Corporation have formed a first-of-its-kind partnership in the state to reforest as much as 500 acres of hardwood forestland burned in wildfires near the Okefenokee Swamp in 2007. The replanting project is taking place in the 33,000-acre Dixon Memorial State Forest located in Ware and Brantley Counties. The two parties made the announcement at the 4th Annual Georgia Environmental Conference in Savannah.

Under an agreement reached by Oglethorpe Power and the GFC, designated wetlands areas are being replanted with red maple, cypress, swamp chestnut oak and water tupelo trees. Trees have already been planted on more than 200 acres, with the remainder scheduled to be planted in the fall of this year.

"These are areas that the GFC would set aside as low priority for reforestation because of budget constraints," said Dru Preston, Jr., Carbon Project Forester with the Georgia Forestry Commission. "They would otherwise be left to natural regeneration, and wildlife habitat and damaged ecosystems would take much longer to recover."

As part of its agreement with the GFC, Oglethorpe Power will be able to receive credit for the carbon dioxide captured by the replanted trees as future climate change regulations unfold. Oglethorpe Power will have title to the carbon dioxide removed from the air by the trees for the first 25 years, then will share those rights with the state for an additional 50 years.

"We believe that planting more trees to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is an important part of addressing the climate change issue while also restoring our valuable forestlands and providing important wildlife habitat," said Michael W. Price, Chief Operating Officer for Oglethorpe Power. "We're excited to join with the Georgia Forestry Commission in this win-win effort for Georgia's citizens."

"This landmark partnership provides benefits on numerous levels," said Robert Farris, Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. "The project will restore the bottomland hardwood-cypress ecosystem and critical wildlife habitat in Dixon Forest. It is also a breakthrough example of a Georgia company investing in Georgia's forestry resource to offset carbon emissions, which ultimately benefits every citizen," said Farris.

The reforestation partnership was also praised by Governor Sonny Perdue who said Georgia is well-served when the state and private industry are able to work together. "In joining together to restore these forests, the Forestry Commission and Oglethorpe Power are helping to establish a roadmap for future public-private partnerships that can benefit all of Georgia," Perdue said.

Oglethorpe Power Corporation (OPC) is the nation's largest power supply cooperative with approximately $5 billion in assets, serving 38 Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs) across Georgia. These EMCs provide electricity to 4.1 million Georgia residents. In addition to the Dixon Forest reforestation project, Oglethorpe Power is also a partner in the PowerTree Carbon Company, a consortium of 25 utilities that has replanted more than one million bottomland hardwood trees in the lower Mississippi River Valley.

The Georgia Forestry Commission sustains and enhances the forests of Georgia for all citizens by providing forest protection, services and technical assistance to landowners and other forestry stakeholders. The GFC provides leadership that promotes healthy, sustainable forests to ensure clean air, clean water, and abundant products for future generations.

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Georgia Forestry Commission Sets Traps for Destructive Forest Pests

Residents in 20 Georgia counties may soon notice the Georgia Forestry Commission erecting
special insect traps in their neighborhood. The traps, which are mounted on trees and look like small paperboard tents, are designed to detect the tiny gypsy moth, which has destroyed thousands of acres of trees throughout the Northeastern United States.

“Gypsy moths will feed on any kind of tree species, but especially like oaks,” said Scott Griffin,
Forest Health Specialist with the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). “Beginning on April 15 and through the end of May, GFC Professionals will be putting up 4,600 traps statewide. We’ll be targeting fast-growing counties and likely introduction sites, such as state parks, where visitors might inadvertently bring in the gypsy moth.”

The gypsy moth is a serious forest pest capable of causing severe damage to trees. There are
currently no known gypsy moth infestations in Georgia; however, White, Fannin, and Rockdale Counties have recorded infestations in the past. The traps being erected by the GFC contain pheromone lures, which mimic what the female gypsy moth releases, and in turn lure male moths and catch them in a sticky trap. Gypsy moth larvae are the insect’s destructive life stage, which hatch and feed on trees’ young leaf sprouts in the spring.

“Gypsy moths can defoliate thousands of acres of trees in short order,” explained Griffin. “If we find evidence of even one moth, we start high intensity trapping where it was caught. We’re working hard to ensure this destructive pest does not invade Georgia’s 25 million acres of forest land.”

The 20 counties in which gypsy moth traps will be placed are: Bartow, Floyd, Whitfield, Barrow,
Gwinnett, Hart, Lincoln, McDuffie, Butts, Carroll, Pike, Baldwin, Bibb, Toombs, Crisp, Sumter, Glynn, Clay, Chatham, and Bryan.

For more information about the gypsy moth or other forest pests, forest health, and the many
services offered by the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit GaTrees.org.

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Half-million Trees Planted in Georgia with Funds Provided by the Arbor Day Foundation

The Georgia Forestry Commission has planted more than half a million trees in wildfire-ravaged south Georgia with funds provided by the Arbor Day Foundation.

As part of a wildfire restoration project in Dixon Memorial State Forest, 509,555 pine trees have been planted on a 4,500-acre tract of upland pine habitat that was destroyed by the historic spring wildfires of 2007. Both longleaf and slash pine trees are being reinstated. The project enhances the restoration of Georgia's native longleaf pines, which have declined by 80 percent since 1955. Less than a half million acres of longleaf pine habitat remain throughout the state.

The Arbor Day Foundation is the largest nonprofit tree-planting organization in the United States, with nearly one million members. The Foundation plants and distributes more than 10 million trees each year.

"Thanks to the generosity of our members and great partners and friends, we are able to work with the Georgia Forestry Commission on this extensive tree-planting project in Dixon Memorial State Forest," said Dan Lambe, vice president of programs for the Arbor Day Foundation. "These trees will help restore a native species to the area, provide vital habitat for wildlife, and clean the air and water for Georgians."

Dixon Memorial State Forest is located in Southern Georgia near Waycross, and is the fourth largest Wildlife Management Area in the state. The forest covers more than 35,000 acres and includes both swampland and pine timberland.

"The Arbor Day Foundation's contribution enables us to restore healthy forests on wildfire-devastated lands that otherwise could not be accomplished with severely limited state funds," said Robert Farris, Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. "The citizens of Georgia directly benefit from our multi-faceted partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, as together we maintain healthy, sustainable forests that are providing clean air, clean water, and abundant forest products for generations to come."

This year, the Arbor Day Foundation is working with partners to plant trees in more than 10 states and territories in the United States. Since 1989, the Arbor Day Foundation has worked with the U.S. Forest Service to plant trees in America's national forests. Since then, the Foundation has helped to plant more than 12 million trees in national forests that have been devastated by wildfire, insects and disease.

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Georgia Citizens Create Legacies by Planting Trees in The Grove

/PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to educate, engage and encourage Georgians to plant trees and protect Georgia's urban tree canopy, the Georgia Urban Forest Council (GUFC) and the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) have joined forces to create a new Web site and online community called The Grove, GeorgiaGrove.org.

The Grove allows families and friends to share the experience of planting trees and commemorating special life moments. The Grove members can share their memories by uploading pictures and stories of their tree planting experiences for others to see and discuss. The Grove members can also create groups, or "groves," to connect, share and interact with other members within the virtual community.

"This is a great tool that allows families to create a legacy and leave a positive mark on the world for their children and grandchildren to enjoy," said Mary Lynne Beckley, director of the Georgia Urban Forest Council. "By planting trees, we renew our commitment to protecting Georgia's green legacy, ensuring future generations will share in the life events we celebrated, while enjoying the benefits of living in healthy communities."

To be a part of The Grove, Georgia residents can log onto GeorgiaGrove.org. There they can create a free account, plant a tree with family and friends, take pictures of the occasion, then upload their photos and post their stories to share the experience with other Grove members. In addition, The Grove offers an interactive Tree Match Tool that provides guidance on choosing the right tree to commemorate a special event, as well as information on tree planting, tree care tips and the benefits of maintaining a healthy urban forest.

According to GFC, Georgia's urban forests have been diminishing, due to the rapid growth in development. To counteract the negative impact of tree loss, Georgia residents must be informed, educated and activated to help plant trees and preserve urban forest health.

"Strategically planted trees improve energy efficiency in homes, encourage people to linger and shop longer in business districts, provide shade to keep our cities cool and make communities healthier and safer places to live," said Larry Morris, associate chief of sustainable forestry with Georgia Forestry Commission. "It is important to encourage Georgia residents to plant trees and help develop vital green infrastructures, which offset the impact of grey infrastructures such as roads and utilities, and help sustain Georgia's green legacy."

The Grove is part of GUFC and GFC's Create Your Legacy initiative, which aims to educate citizens about the ways tree loss impacts the economy, the environment, our health and our social interactions. For more information or to share a legacy, log onto GeorgiaGrove.org today and share a tree planting experience.

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Tree Seedlings Available to Georgians

The Georgia Forestry Commission is offering residents an inexpensive way to help the
environment, reduce energy costs, beautify landscapes, and attract wildlife. Tree seedlings grown at the GFC Nursery provide these benefits and more. Several species of pine and hardwood are now available at low cost, can be ordered by phone, and delivered to the local county forestry unit for pick up by purchasers.

“This is the perfect time for planting trees,” said Russ Pohl, Chief of Reforestation for the GFC.
“Seedlings are dormant during the cold, wet months and are easily stored and shipped. Planting
now gives the young trees plenty of time to reestablish root contact with the soil, and rainy weather reduces their need for additional water. All in all, this is the very best time for planting trees in Georgia.”

Research shows trees improve air quality by sequestering carbon, the byproduct of burning
fossil fuels, and by intercepting airborne particulates. One acre of trees produces enough oxygen
for 18 people every day and provides valuable storm water runoff services. In addition, statistics
show healthy trees can add up to 15 percent to residential property value. Strategically placed
trees can reduce summer cooling costs by as much as 30 percent, while contributing to landscape aesthetics and the attraction of songbirds and other wildlife.

“It’s easy to order GFC seedlings and we provide information and guidance on getting them
planted on consumers’ property,” said Pohl. “We look forward to helping our customers learn more about this renewable Georgia resource.”

To order GFC seedlings, call 1-800-GA-TREES, or download an order form at GaTrees.org.

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Voters Give 'Thumbs Up' to Georgia Forests

By an overwhelming margin Georgia voters approved Amendment 1 on November 4. Passage of this historic measure, supported by leading agricultural, environmental, sportsmen and business organizations, will lead to the implementation of the Georgia Forest Land Protection Act of 2008. Amendment 1, which according to one source drew the largest number of votes of any candidate or amendment in Georgia history, will provide protection from development for many of the state's large timberland properties. With 96% of the state's precincts having reported, Amendment 1 appeared to have won in all of the state's 159 counties.

"Amendment 1 means that many landowners will be spared the decision to sell some or all of their property primarily due to an inability to pay property taxes," noted the Georgia Forestry Association's Steve McWilliams. "The people of the state have made it abundantly clear that they hold our forests in high regard."

The next step for this new tax program is the rule making process to be led by the Property Tax Division of Georgia Department of Revenue. Vicky Lambert, Director of DOR's Property Tax Division hopes to have rules and forms to guide the implementation and administration of the Forest Land Protection Act in place by January 1, the effective date of the new conservation use tax program.

Source: Georgia Forestry Association

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GFC Emphasizes Safety Precautions for National Fire Prevention Week

The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) urges residents statewide to think safety and
exercise caution in observance of National Fire Prevention Week October 5-11.

GFC officials urge outdoor enthusiasts from all walks of life to be aware of the dangerous
wildfire potential at this time of year. Clearing wide areas around campfires, ensuring that
campfires are never left unattended, and thoroughly extinguishing all campfires are primary
preventive measures that are especially important during the fall season.

Statistics from GFC show debris burning continues to be the number one cause of wildfires.
Burn permits are always required prior to outdoor burning. Burn permits are available by calling
1-877-OK-2-BURN, by going on-line to the GFC website at www.gatrees.org or by calling the
local GFC office.

Fire prevention practices for homeowners should include raking leaves and removing
flammable vegetation for at least 30 feet from any structure. Homeowners can create a safety
area by selecting fire-resistant plants and by properly spacing those plants in their yards.
Leaves should be removed from gutters and firewood stacked away from any structure that
could catch fire.

Care should also be taken when conducting prescribed burns on forested tracts.

“Prescribed burning when weather conditions are right is one of the most effective forest
management tools available to landowners,” said Alan Dozier, Chief of Forest Protection.
For additional information, visit the GFC website at www.gatrees.org or contact your local
Georgia Forestry Commission office.

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Burn With Caution Advises Georgia Forestry Commission

Fall is in the air and soon you may be ready to burn a pile of yard debris. But before you strike the match, the Georgia Forestry Commission has some reminders to help you do that safely.
“The annual air pollution burn ban that covers much of north Georgia will be lifted on October first,” said Alan Dozier, Chief of Forest Protection for the GFC. “Outdoor burning is not permitted until after that date. And remember, a burn permit is always required.”

Residents who want to burn outdoors can obtain a permit by calling 1-877-OK-2-BURN. The call automatically advises if local conditions are appropriate for burning fires measuring less than 6’ x 6’. The caller’s zip code, telephone number and the call’s date and time stamp serve as a burn permit for both the caller and the GFC.

Residents may also contact their local GFC office for a permit or get one through the GFC website at www.gatrees.org.

“Georgia’s ongoing drought is still of concern,” said Dozier, “and the major cause of wildfire is debris burning that gets out of control. “In some instances, specific conditions will prohibit burn permits from being issued.”

According to Dozier, only yard debris can be burned. The burning of paper, household trash, plastics, or other man-made materials is prohibited and invalidates the permit. Fires are required to be extinguished by dusk and the permit holder must take adequate precautions to prevent flames from escaping. The automated system applies only to fires being burned outside city limits. Inside city limits, homeowners are required to call their local fire department for permission to burn. Landowners seeking permission to burn forest lands, agricultural space, or
debris piles larger than 6’ x 6’ should continue to call their local GFC County Office.

“With everyone’s vigilance, we can reduce the risk of wildfire and enjoy a beautiful autumn season,” Dozier said.

For more information on safe burning and forestry in Georgia, visit www.gatrees.org.

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Trees Fall Victim to Georgia's Drought

An increasing number of trees are falling victim to Georgia’s ongoing drought, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission. “The lack of rainfall is impacting shade trees and has also caused a decrease in timber production for the past growing season,” said James Johnson, GFC Staff Forester. “Both pine trees and hardwoods are dying, but species within the red oak group in urban areas are prompting the most attention. Homeowners should be taking preventive measures now,” he said, “because by the time obvious symptoms appear, it may be too late.”

Johnson said large trees require several hundred gallons of water each day to stay healthy, but any supplemental water applied will be beneficial. Trees should be watered thoroughly underneath their “drip line,” the area beneath the canopy where rainfall drips to the ground from the tree’s foliage and where “feeder roots” transport moisture to the trunk.

“Certain types of “gray water” can be used to sustain your trees,” explained Johnson. “Water from dish or clothes washing can be used without fear because they are diluted solutions that won’t harm the tree.”

Johnson said drought-stressed trees should not be fertilized because that can spur branch growth and put further strain on the tree’s limited water supply. One thorough watering each week is more effective than several light waterings, according to Johnson. “Trees suffering from the drought are also more susceptible to diseases and insects,” Johnson said, “so check them regularly to prevent damage.” Johnson recommended mulching to help hold moisture in the soil, which is especially beneficial for shallow-rooted species such as dogwood. As cooler weather approaches, trees will require less moisture and supplemental water isn’t necessary, according to Johnson.

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